Schottky barrier diode

ABSTRACT

A Schottky barrier diode includes an n-type semiconductor layer including a Ga 2 O 3 -based compound semiconductor with n-type conductivity, and an electrode layer that is in Schottky-contact with the n-type semiconductor layer. A first semiconductor layer in Schottky-contact with the electrode layer and a second semiconductor layer having an electron carrier concentration higher than the first semiconductor layer are formed in the n-type semiconductor layer. The second semiconductor layer includes a β-Ga 2 O 3  substrate including a main plane rotated by an angle not less than 50° and not more than 90° with respect to a (100) plane thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/357,176, filed on May 8, 2014, which is based on International Application No. PCT/JP2012/078983 filed on Nov. 8, 2012, which is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-245519 filed on Nov. 9, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a Schottky barrier diode in which a metal and a semiconductor are Schottky-contacted with each other.

BACKGROUND ART

A Schottky barrier diode using SiC is conventionally known as a high-voltage diode used for, e.g. an inverter circuit (see e.g. PTL 1). The Schottky barrier diode has a smaller forward voltage, a shorter reverse recovery time (trr) and better switching characteristics than a PN junction diode equivalent in current capacity. However, there is a great demand for an increase in a withstand voltage and efficiency, where it is needed to further increase the withstand voltage and to reduce the forward voltage.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[PTL 1]

JP-A-2006-253521

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In the Schottky barrier diode, a forward voltage (VF) and a voltage reverse maximum (VRM, herein a reverse withstand voltage) measured when applying a reverse-bias voltage are generally in a trade-off relation. This is because it is necessary to lower a carrier concentration in order to increase the reverse withstand voltage (VRM) but the lowered carrier concentration causes an increase in electric resistance and thus an increase in the forward voltage (VF). Also, there is a problem that the lowered carrier concentration causes an increase in a contact resistance with an ohmic electrode layer and thus an increase in forward voltage (VF).

It is an object of the invention to provide a Schottky barrier diode that can control an increase in the forward voltage and an increase in the contact resistance with the ohmic electrode layer even when the reverse withstand voltage (or reverse breakdown voltage) is increased.

Solution to Problem

According to one embodiment of the invention, a Schottky barrier diode as defined in [1] to [4] below is provided so as to achieve the above object.

[1] A Schottky barrier diode, comprising:

-   -   an n-type semiconductor layer comprising a Ga₂O₃-based         semiconductor with n-type conductivity; and     -   an electrode layer that is in Schottky-contact with the n-type         semiconductor layer,     -   wherein a first semiconductor layer in Schottky-contact with the         electrode layer and a second semiconductor layer having an         electron carrier concentration higher than the first         semiconductor layer are formed in the n-type semiconductor         layer.

[2] The Schottky barrier diode according to [1], wherein a thickness of the first semiconductor layer is greater than a thickness of a depletion layer corresponding to a reverse withstand voltage.

[3] The Schottky barrier diode according to [1] or [2], wherein an electron carrier concentration in the first semiconductor layer is lower than 1×10¹⁷/cm⁻³.

[4] The Schottky barrier diode according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the electron carrier concentration in the second semiconductor layer is higher than 1×10¹⁸/cm⁻³.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to one embodiment of the invention, a Schottky barrier diode that can control an increase in the forward voltage and an increase in the contact resistance with the ohmic electrode layer even when the reverse withstand voltage (or reverse breakdown voltage) is increased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view showing a configuration example of a Schottky diode in an embodiment according to the invention.

FIG. 2A is a comparison table showing a relation between an electron carrier concentration, a resistivity and a thickness, and a voltage drop of an n⁻ semiconductor layer and an n⁺ semiconductor layer where a reverse withstand voltage is set at 100 V and Si and Ga₂O₃ are used as a semiconductor material.

FIG. 2B is a comparison table showing a relation between an electron carrier concentration, a resistivity and a thickness, and a voltage drop of an n⁻ semiconductor layer and an n⁺ semiconductor layer where a reverse withstand voltage is set at 600 V and SiC and Ga₂O₃ are used as a semiconductor material.

FIG. 2C is a comparison table showing a relation between an electron carrier concentration, a resistivity and a thickness, and a voltage drop of an n⁻ semiconductor layer and an n⁺ semiconductor layer where a reverse withstand voltage is set at 1000 V and SiC and Ga₂O₃ are used as a semiconductor material.

FIG. 2D is a comparison table showing a relation between an electron carrier concentration, a resistivity and a thickness, and a voltage drop of an n⁻ semiconductor layer and an n⁺ semiconductor layer where a reverse withstand voltage is set at 10000 V and SiC and Ga₂O₃ are used as a semiconductor material.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of energy band in the Schottky diode of the embodiment according to the invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view showing a configuration example of a Schottky diode in Comparative Example.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing voltage-current density characteristics of a Schottky diode in Example and a Schottky diode in Comparative Example.

FIG. 6A is a plan view showing a Schottky diode in a first modification of the embodiment according to the invention.

FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view taken along a line A-A in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a plan view showing a Schottky diode in a second modification of the embodiment according to the invention.

FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view taken along a line A-A in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a plan view showing a Schottky diode in a third modification of the embodiment according to the invention.

FIG. 8B is a cross sectional view taken along a line A-A in FIG. 8A.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of a Schottky barrier diode (hereinafter, referred to as “Schottky diode”) of the invention will be described below in reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional structure of a Schottky diode 1 in the embodiment. The Schottky diode 1 is provided with an n-type semiconductor layer 3 formed of a β-Ga₂O₃-based compound semiconductor with n-type conductivity, a Schottky electrode layer 2 in Schottky-contact with a first main surface 3 a of the n-type semiconductor layer 3, and an ohmic electrode layer 4 in ohmic-contact with a second main surface 3 b of the n-type semiconductor layer 3 opposite to the main surface 3 a. Alternatively, a laminated film including the Schottky electrode layer 2 as the lowermost layer may be provided on the first main surface 3 a of the n-type semiconductor layer 3. Also alternatively, a laminated film including the ohmic electrode layer 4 as the lowermost layer may be provided on the second main surface 3 b of the n-type semiconductor layer 3.

The n-type semiconductor layer 3 is basically formed of β-Ga₂O₃ but may be formed of an oxide consisting mainly of Ga to which one or more selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, Zn, Cd, Al, In, Si, Ge and Sn are added. In more detail, it is possible to use, e.g., gallium oxide represented by (Al_(x)In_(y)Ga_((1-x-y)))₂O₃ (0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, 0≦x+y≦1).

In addition, the n-type semiconductor layer 3 is provided with an n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 as a first semiconductor layer with a low electron carrier concentration and an n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 as a second semiconductor layer with a high electron carrier concentration. In the n-type semiconductor layer 3, the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 with a low electron carrier concentration is formed on a side in Schottky-contact with the Schottky electrode layer 2.

The n-type semiconductor layer 3 can be formed by, e.g., an MBE (Molecular Beam Epitaxy) method in which Ga vapor and an oxygen-based gas are supplied into a vacuum chamber and a β-Ga₂O₃ single crystal is epitaxially grown on a β-Ga₂O₃ substrate. Here, purity of Ga raw material is desirably not less than 6N in order to improve ability of controlling to low electron carrier concentration. This β-Ga₂O₃ substrate corresponds to the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 and the epitaxial layer formed thereon corresponds to the n semiconductor layer 31.

The β-Ga₂O₃ substrate can be formed by, e.g., the EFG (Edge-defined film-fed growth) method. In this case, the electron carrier concentration in the β-Ga₂O₃ substrate (the electron carrier concentration in the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32) depends on oxygen defects formed during formation of the substrate or the amount of dopant such as Si. Here, the dopant is preferably Si since the amount of dopant incorporation during crystal growth is stable. Use of Si as a dopant improves controllability of the electron carrier concentration. Meanwhile, the electron carrier concentration in the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 can be adjusted by controlling, e.g., oxygen defects or the supplied amount of group IV dopant such as Si or Sn during epitaxial crystal growth. Furthermore, considering substitution with Ga, Sn having a similar ionic radius is preferable.

In the Schottky diode 1 of the present embodiment, an electron carrier concentration Nd in the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 is, e.g., 10¹⁶ cm⁻³ but the electron carrier concentration Nd can be set within a range lower than 10¹⁸ cm⁻³. In addition, it is preferable that the electron carrier concentration Nd be set to a lower value than 10¹⁷ cm⁻³. Furthermore, the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 may be composed of an n layer having a relatively low electron carrier concentration and an n layer having an electron carrier concentration between that of the n⁻ layer and that of the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32. The electron carrier concentration Nd in the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 can be set based on reverse withstand voltage VRM required for the Schottky diode 1 and electric field-breakdown strength Em of Ga₂O₃.

Here, the electric field-breakdown strength Em is a value inherent in Ga₂O₃ and the present inventors have confirmed that the electric field-breakdown strength Em of Ga₂O₃ is greater than electric field-breakdown strength of Si or SiC used as a material of conventional n-type semiconductor material.

In general, reverse withstand voltage of Schottky diode is proportional to the square of electric field-breakdown strength and is inversely proportional to an electron carrier concentration. Therefore, when the electric field-breakdown strength increases, the reverse withstand voltage also increases even at the same electron carrier. In addition, when the reverse withstand voltage is the same, the electron carrier concentration can be increased by increasing the electric field-breakdown strength. The increased electron carrier concentration decreases electrical resistance and thus forward voltage (VF).

FIGS. 2A to 2D are comparison tables showing a relation between an electron carrier concentration, a resistivity and a thickness, and a voltage drop upon setting a current density of 200 A/cm² of an n⁻ semiconductor (epitaxial layer) and an n⁺ semiconductor layer (substrate) where Si or SiC and Ga₂O₃ are used as a semiconductor material. FIG. 2A is a comparison table in case of using Si and Ga₂O₃ at a reverse withstand voltage of 100 V, FIG. 2B is a comparison table in case of using SiC and Ga₂O₃ at a reverse withstand voltage of 600 V, FIG. 2C is a comparison table in case of using SiC and Ga₂O₃ at a reverse withstand voltage of 1000 V (1 kV), and FIG. 2D is a comparison table in case of using SiC and Ga₂O₃ at a reverse withstand voltage of 10000 V (10 kV).

As shown in FIG. 2A, when the reverse withstand voltage is set at 100 V, the electron carrier concentration and thickness of the n⁻ semiconductor layer are 2.47×10¹⁵ cm⁻³ and 7.5 μm, respectively, in case of Si and 8.29×10¹⁷ cm⁻³ and 0.402 μm, respectively, in case of Ga₂O₃ according to the embodiment. Thereby, a voltage drop in the n⁻ semiconductor layer is 0.1955 V in case of Si and 0.0005 V in case of Ga₂O₃. As a result, the total voltage drop of the n⁻ semiconductor layer and the n⁺ semiconductor layer is 0.2226 V in case of Si and is 0.0811 V in case of Ga₂O₃, which shows that the voltage drop can be reduced by about 64%.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the reverse withstand voltage is set at 600 V, the electron carrier concentration and thickness of the n⁻ semiconductor layer are 2.16×10¹⁶ cm⁻³ and 5.46 μm, respectively, in case of SiC and 1.66×10¹⁷ cm⁻³ and 2.0 μm, respectively, in case of Ga₂O₃ according to the embodiment. Thereby, a voltage drop in the n⁻ semiconductor layer is 0.0345 V in case of SiC and 0.0107 V in case of Ga₂O₃. As a result, the total voltage drop of the n⁻ semiconductor layer and the n⁺ semiconductor layer is 0.0546 V in case of SiC and 0.0376 V in case of Ga₂O₃, which shows that the voltage drop can be reduced by about 31%.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2C, when the reverse withstand voltage is set at 1000 V, the electron carrier concentration and thickness of the n⁻ semiconductor layer are 1.30×10¹⁶ cm⁻³ and 9.1 μm, respectively, in case of SiC and 9.95×10¹⁶ cm⁻³ and 3.3 μm, respectively, in case of Ga₂O₃ according to the embodiment. Thereby, a voltage drop in the n⁻ semiconductor layer is 0.0914 V in case of SiC and 0.0296 V in case of Ga₂O₃. As a result, the total voltage drop of the n⁻ semiconductor layer and the n⁺ semiconductor layer is 0.1115 V in case of SiC and 0.0565 V in case of Ga₂O₃, which shows that the voltage drop can be reduced by about 49%.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2D, when the reverse withstand voltage is set at 10000 V, the electron carrier concentration and thickness of the n⁻ semiconductor layer are 1.30×10¹⁵ cm⁻³ and 90.9 μm, respectively, in case of SiC and 9.95×10¹⁵ cm⁻³ and 33.3 μm in case of Ga₂O₃ according to the embodiment. Thereby, a voltage drop in the n⁻ semiconductor layer is 8.1118 V in case of SiC and 2.9449 V in case of Ga₂O₃. As a result, the total voltage drop of the n⁻ semiconductor layer and the n⁺ semiconductor layer is 8.1319 V in case of SiC and 2.9718 V in case of Ga₂O₃, which shows that the voltage drop can be reduced by about 63%.

The Schottky electrode layer 2 shown in FIG. 1 is formed on the first main surface 3 a of the n-type semiconductor layer 3 (the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31) by, e.g., the EB (Electron Beam) deposition method, a vacuum deposition method or a sputtering method. A metal which can be in Schottky-contact with Ga₂O₃ constituting the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 is selected as a material of the Schottky electrode layer 2. In the present embodiment, a film of Pt is formed as the Schottky electrode layer 2 on the n-type semiconductor layer 3.

In general, in order to enable Schottky-contact providing rectifying action between a semiconductor and a metal, electron affinity χ of semiconductor and work function φ_(m) of metal to be an electrode need to satisfy a relation of χ<φ_(m). Metals satisfying this relation are V, Mo, Ni and Pd etc. in addition to Pt used in the embodiment.

The ohmic electrode layer 4 is formed on the second main surface 3 b of the n-type semiconductor layer 3 (the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32) by the vacuum deposition method or the sputtering method. A material of the ohmic electrode layer 4 is e.g. Ti. Another element may be used as a material of the ohmic electrode layer 4 as long as it is a metal of which work function φ_(m) is smaller than electron affinity χ of Ga₂O₃.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing energy band at a Schottky contact portion. Here, q is electric charge of one electron, φB_(n) is a Schottky barrier and φ_(d) is a potential barrier (inner potential).

As shown in FIG. 3, the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 is formed to have a thickness t which corresponds to a width W of a depletion layer formed when applying a reverse voltage up to a reverse withstand voltage VRM and is greater than the width W of the depletion layer. In this regard, however, it is ideal and most desirable that the width W of the depletion layer coincide with the thickness t of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31. It is because, when the thickness t of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 is greater than the width W of the depletion layer, electric resistance of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 increases by the difference.

Here, the width W of the depletion layer in the Schottky diode 1 depends on the electron carrier concentration Nd in the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31, which can be represented by the following formula (1). Here, ∈ is dielectric constant of Ga₂O₃. That is, it is possible to derive the width W of the depletion layer once the reverse withstand voltage VRM mentioned above and the electron carrier concentration Nd are determined. Then, with the width W of the depletion layer as a target, the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 is formed so that the thickness of the epitaxially-grown Ga₂O₃ having a low electron carrier concentration is not less than the width W of the depletion layer (t≧W).

$\begin{matrix} {W = \sqrt{\frac{2{ɛ \cdot {VRM}}}{q \cdot {Nd}}}} & {{Formula}\mspace{14mu} (1)} \end{matrix}$

The electron carrier concentration in the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 is set to a necessary concentration (e.g., a higher value than 10¹⁸ cm⁻³) according to electric resistance (forward on-resistance) or forward voltage required for the Schottky diode 1. In addition, the electron carrier concentration in the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 is desirably 10 times or more higher than the electron carrier concentration in the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31. It is because electrical resistance of the entire n-type semiconductor layer 3 becomes smaller with higher electron carrier concentration in the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32.

(Operation of Schottky Diode 1)

When voltage V in a forward direction (electric potential is positive on the Schottky electrode layer 2 side) is applied to the Schottky diode 1, φ_(d) shown in FIG. 3 becomes (φ_(d)−V), resulting in an increase in electric current generated by electrons moving from the n-type semiconductor layer 3 to the Schottky electrode layer 2. As a result, a forward current flows from the Schottky electrode layer 2 to the ohmic electrode layer 4.

On the other hand, when voltage V in a reverse direction (electric potential is negative on the Schottky electrode layer 2 side) is applied to the Schottky diode 1, φ_(d) becomes (φ_(d)+V), which results in that the electric current generated by electrons moving from the n-type semiconductor layer 3 to the Schottky electrode layer 2 becomes substantially zero. In addition, a depletion layer spreads toward the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 according to the voltage V. However, the depletion layer never reaches the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 even when a reverse voltage up to a reverse withstand voltage VRM is applied since the thickness t of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 is formed larger than the width W of the depletion layer which is derived based on the above formula (1).

(Functions and Effects of the Embodiment)

The following functions and effects are obtained in the present embodiment.

In the Schottky diode 1 of the present embodiment, a Ga₂O₃-based compound is used as a material of the n-type semiconductor layer 3. Since the Ga₂O₃-based compound has electric field-breakdown strength higher than Si and SiC which are used as the conventional materials of Schottky diode, it can increase the reverse withstand voltage as compared to using the conventional materials.

In addition, the n-type semiconductor layer 3 is composed of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 having a low electron carrier concentration and the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 having a high electron carrier concentration. Although the Ga₂O₃-based compound can increase the reverse withstand voltage due to high electric field-breakdown strength as previously mentioned, the effect of increasing the reverse withstand voltage is limited when the entire n-type semiconductor layer 3 has a high electron carrier concentration since the reverse withstand voltage is inversely proportional to the electron carrier concentration. However, it is possible to further increase the reverse withstand voltage in the present embodiment since the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 is formed on the side of the Schottky electrode layer 2.

In addition, since the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 has a thickness greater than a width W of a depletion layer formed when applying a reverse voltage up to a reverse withstand voltage VRM, the depletion layer never reaches the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 even if the reverse voltage up to the reverse withstand voltage VRM is applied thereto.

In addition, it is possible to secure a reverse withstand voltage VRM of not less than 1000 V by setting the electron carrier concentration of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 within a range lower than 10¹⁷ cm⁻³. Furthermore, it is possible to secure a reverse withstand voltage VRM of not less than 10000 V by setting the electron carrier concentration of the n semiconductor layer 31 within a range lower than 10¹⁶ cm⁻³. In addition, by setting the electron carrier concentration of the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 to not less than 10¹⁸ cm⁻³, it is possible to control the electrical resistance of the entire n-type semiconductor layer 3 and, further, it is possible to control an increase in contact resistance with the ohmic electrode layer 4. This allows a decrease in the forward voltage of the Schottky diode 1.

Example 1

Next, more specific Example of the invention will be described.

In the present Example, a 600 μm-thick β-Ga₂O₃ substrate made by the FZ (Floating Zone) method was used as the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32. Si was doped as a dopant into the β-Ga₂O₃ substrate at an electron carrier concentration of 1×10¹⁹ cm⁻³. In addition, the plane orientation of the substrate was (010). The plane orientation of the substrate is not specifically limited but a plane rotated by not less than 50° and not more than 90° with respect to a (100) plane is preferable, and there are, e.g., a (010) plane, a (001) plane, a (−201) plane, a (101) plane and a (310) plane. It is thereby possible to suppress re-evaporation from the substrate and to increase growth rate. Alternatively, it may be a plane of which plane orientation is rotated by an angle of not more than 37.5° from the (101) plane. In this case, it is possible to provide a steep interface between the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 and the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 and it is also possible to accurately control the thickness of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31.

A 1.4 μm-thick β-Ga₂O₃ single crystal was epitaxially grown on the above-mentioned β-Ga₂O₃ substrate (the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32) by the MBE method, thereby forming the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31. Sn was used as a dopant at and the electron carrier concentration was 4×10¹⁶/cm⁻³.

The Schottky electrode layer 2 was formed to have a two-layer structure composed of 30 nm-thick Pt in Schottky-contact with the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 and 170 nm-thick Au formed on the Pt.

The ohmic electrode layer 4 was formed to have a two-layer structure composed of 100 nm-thick Ti in ohmic-contact with the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 and 100 nm-thick Au formed on the Ti.

Comparative Example

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional structure of a Schottky diode 10 as Comparative Example. In the Schottky diode 10, an n⁻ semiconductor layer 33 has a single-layer structure of a 400 μm-thick β-Ga₂O₃-based substrate made by the EFG method, the Schottky electrode layer 2 is formed on one main surface 33 a of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 33 and the ohmic electrode layer 4 is formed on another main surface 33 b. Configurations of the Schottky electrode layer 2 and the ohmic electrode layer 4 are the same as those in the above Example. In addition, the n⁻ semiconductor layer 33 was 400 μm in thickness and had the electron carrier concentration adjusted to 8×10¹⁶ cm⁻³ by not doping and not performing heat treatment in a nitrogen atmosphere.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the voltage-current density characteristics of the Schottky diode 1 in Example according to the invention configured as described above and the Schottky diode 10 in Comparative Example. As shown in the drawing, when voltage in a positive direction is applied, the current density rises steeply in the Schottky diode 1. On the other hand, the rise of the current density in the Schottky diode 10 is slower than the Schottky diode 1.

This shows that a multi-layer structure of the semiconductor layer 3 composed of the n semiconductor layer 31 and the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 and the resulting reduction in electric resistance of the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 allow forward voltage in the Schottky diode 1 to be reduced. In addition, contact resistance between the ohmic electrode layer 4 and the semiconductor layer 3 is reduced by increasing the electron carrier concentration in the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 in contact with the ohmic electrode layer 4 and it is considered that this also contributes to reduce forward voltage.

(Modifications of Schottky Diode)

Next, three modifications in structure of the Schottky diode in the present embodiment of the invention will be described in reference to FIGS. 6A to 8B. In these modifications, the parameters such as the carrier concentration and thickness of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 and the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 can be set to the same as those described above.

(Modification 1)

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a barrier diode 1A in the first modification of the embodiment according to the invention, wherein FIG. 6A is a plan view and FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 6A.

The Schottky diode 1A is square in plan view and has the square Schottky electrode layer 2 at the middle portion. In addition, the Schottky diode 1A is provided with the n-type semiconductor layer 3. The n-type semiconductor layer 3 is provided with the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 with a low electron carrier concentration and the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 with a high electron carrier concentration. In the n-type semiconductor layer 3, the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 with a low electron carrier concentration is formed on a side in Schottky-contact with the Schottky electrode layer 2. The ohmic electrode layer 4 is formed on a surface of the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 opposite to the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31.

The n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 has a mesa structure having a flat upper surface 31 a formed on the opposite side to the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 and a side surface 31 b inclined so as to extend from an outer edge of the upper surface 31 a toward the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32. A lower surface 31 c parallel to the upper surface 31 a is formed on the outer side of the side surface 31 b so as to surround the side surface 31 b. The Schottky electrode layer 2 is formed on the upper surface 31 a at a predetermined distance from the side surface 31 b.

A PV (passivation) film 6 is formed in a region between the periphery of the Schottky electrode layer 2 to a portion of the lower surface 31 c on the side surface 31 b side. The PV film 6 is formed to cover the periphery of the Schottky electrode layer 2 and the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 on the outer side of the Schottky electrode layer 2, i.e., the upper surface 31 a, the side surface 31 b and the portion of the lower surface 31 c on the side surface 31 b side.

In the Schottky diode 1A, electric field concentration at an edge of the Schottky electrode layer 2 is reduced by an electric field relaxation effect of the mesa structure of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31. Therefore, a decrease in reverse withstand voltage due to the electric field concentration at the edge of the Schottky electrode layer 2 is suppressed.

(Modification 2)

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a Schottky diode 1B in the second modification of the embodiment according to the invention, wherein FIG. 7A is a plan view and FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 7A.

In the Schottky diode 1B, a configuration in which a resistive layer 310 is formed in a portion of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 is different from the Schottky diode 1A and the remaining configuration is the same as the Schottky diode 1A. The resistive layer 310 is formed in the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 on the upper surface 31 a side from a portion in contact with the periphery of the Schottky electrode layer 2 to the side surface 31 b. The resistive layer 310 can be formed by, e.g., annealing treatment in oxygen atmosphere performed after forming the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 on the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32. Alternatively, this region may be a p-type layer in place of the resistive layer 310.

In the Schottky diode 1B, the electric field concentration at the edge of the Schottky electrode layer 2 is further reduced by an electric field relaxation effect of the resistive layer 310 or the p-type layer in addition to the electric field relaxation effect of the mesa structure of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31. Therefore, a decrease in reverse withstand voltage due to the electric field concentration at the edge of the Schottky electrode layer 2 is further suppressed.

(Modification 3)

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a Schottky diode 1C in the third modification of the embodiment according to the invention, wherein FIG. 8A is a plan view and FIG. 8B is a cross sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 8A.

The Schottky diode 1C is square in plan view and is provided with the n-type semiconductor layer 3 composed of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 and the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32. The PV film 6 is formed on the upper surface 31 a of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 at the periphery thereof. In addition, the Schottky electrode layer 2 is formed at the middle portion of the upper surface 31 a of the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31. A portion of the Schottky electrode layer 2 in a peripheral region covers the PV film 6.

The resistive layer 310 is formed in the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31 on the upper surface 31 a side in a region including an interface between the Schottky electrode layer 2 and the PV film 6. Alternatively, this region may be a p-type layer having a guard ring structure in place of the resistive layer 310. Furthermore, regarding the resistive layer 310 and the PV film 6, it may be a structure having only the PV film 6 without the resistive layer 310.

The ohmic electrode layer 4 is formed on a surface of the n⁺ semiconductor layer 32 opposite to the n⁻ semiconductor layer 31.

In the Schottky diode 1C, since the electric field concentration at the edge of the Schottky electrode layer 2 is reduced by a field plate effect of the Schottky electrode layer 2 formed on the PV film 6, a decrease in reverse withstand voltage due to the electric field concentration at the edge of the Schottky electrode layer 2 is suppressed. In addition, when the resistive layer 310 or the p-type layer is formed, an electric field relaxation effect thereof further reduces the electric field concentration at the edge of the Schottky electrode layer 2. Therefore, a decrease in reverse withstand voltage due to the electric field concentration at the edge of the Schottky electrode layer 2 is further suppressed.

Although the plural preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments, and the various kinds of modifications and applications can be implemented without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in addition to the configuration in the above-mentioned embodiment (vertical type), the Schottky diode 1 may be of a horizontal type in which the Schottky electrode layer 2 and the ohmic electrode layer 4 are deposited on the same side of the n-type semiconductor layer 3.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A Schottky barrier diode is provided that can prevent an increase in the forward voltage and an increase in the contact resistance with the ohmic electrode layer even when the reverse withstand voltage (or reverse breakdown voltage) is increased.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1, 1A, 1B 1C Schottky diode -   2 Schottky electrode layer -   3 n-type semiconductor layer -   3 a first main surface -   3 b second main surface -   4 ohmic electrode layer -   5 protective electrode layer -   6 PV film -   31 n⁻ semiconductor layer -   31 a upper surface -   31 b side surface -   31 c lower surface -   32 n⁺ semiconductor layer -   33 n⁻ semiconductor layer -   t thickness of n⁻ semiconductor layer -   W width of depletion layer -   φB_(n) Schottky barrier -   φ_(d) potential barrier -   φ_(m) work function of metal -   χ electron affinity 

What is claimed is:
 1. A Schottky barrier diode, comprising: an n-type semiconductor layer comprising a Ga₂O₃-based compound semiconductor with n-type conductivity; and an electrode layer that is in Schottky-contact with the n-type semiconductor layer, wherein a first semiconductor layer in Schottky-contact with the electrode layer and a second semiconductor layer having an electron carrier concentration higher than the first semiconductor layer are formed in the n-type semiconductor layer, and wherein the second semiconductor layer comprises a β-Ga₂O₃ substrate comprising a main plane rotated by an angle not less than 50° and not more than 90° with respect to a (100) plane thereof.
 2. The Schottky barrier diode according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the first semiconductor layer is greater than a thickness of a depletion layer corresponding to a reverse withstand voltage.
 3. The Schottky barrier diode according to claim 1, wherein an electron carrier concentration in the first semiconductor layer is less than 1×10¹⁷/cm⁻³.
 4. The Schottky barrier diode according to claim 1, wherein the electron carrier concentration in the second semiconductor layer is greater than 1×10¹⁸/cm⁻³.
 5. The Schottky barrier diode according to claim 3, wherein the electron carrier concentration in the second semiconductor layer is greater than 1×10¹⁸/cm⁻³.
 6. The Schottky barrier diode according to claim 2, wherein an electron carrier concentration in the first semiconductor layer is less than 1×10¹⁷/cm⁻³.
 7. The Schottky barrier diode according to claim 2, wherein the electron carrier concentration in the second semiconductor layer is greater than 1×10¹⁸/cm⁻³.
 8. The Schottky barrier diode according to claim 6, wherein the electron carrier concentration in the second semiconductor layer is greater than 1×10¹⁸/cm⁻³. 